Materials

Kitchen Ventilation and Range Hood Planning

Plan capture area, duct route, noise, controls and makeup-air implications before installing cabinets or an open-concept kitchen.

A hood that is too noisy to use or poorly positioned provides little practical benefit. Ventilation should be designed around the cooking appliance and route to the exterior where required and feasible.

Capture matters

The hood should cover the cooking area and be installed at the manufacturer’s specified height. Deep or powerful cooking equipment may require more careful design than a decorative canopy.

Short, smooth duct routes help

Long runs, many elbows, crushed flexible duct and undersized transitions can reduce performance and increase noise. Coordinate the route before cabinets and ceilings are closed.

Plan for noise and controls

Compare sound ratings at useful speeds and place controls where they can be reached. A lower setting used consistently can be more valuable than a very high setting that is intolerable.

Verify local requirements

Large exhaust systems can affect pressure and combustion appliances. Building, mechanical and manufacturer requirements vary; use qualified design and installation.